Modern World Impacting Health and Aging
Our senses have not evolved for the modern world, making us ill and even aging us. Preparing for the costs and burdens of aging will prepare our family and finances from future long-term care.
The human lifestyle has changed since man first took their first step. Even in the last 100 years, the changes in lifestyle and technology have been dramatic. Is today's human best designed for today's life?
Experts are now warning that a 'mismatch' exists between the way our senses have evolved and the modern world. This mismatch is making us ill and even aging us faster.
The 'ape that's in us' developed a taste for sugary fruits that were only available sometimes. The apes didn't have an agriculture and transportation system to provide them with produce regularly.
Our Bodies Not Designed for Today's Lifestyle
Experts say that today's modern world is radically different now from how human senses have evolved over time. Our eyesight was not designed for looking at computers for hours in artificial light. Air quality is damaging our sense of smell. We spend more time inside and are less active. The result is we are short-sighted, obese, and depressed.
The pressure today's human faces in everyday life means we suffer from more stress and anxiety than ever before.
Luckily, we also have advances in medical science. Longevity allows many of us to live to our mid-80s and beyond. The problem is the quality of that life due to aging and declining health issues that often lead us to require long-term health care.
Apes Can't Prepare ... But You Can
Have you prepared your family and finances for the financial costs and burdens of aging? There are physical, emotional, and financial consequences that come with getting older and the declining health and mobility problems of aging.
Families are not prepared to be caregivers and lack the skills - or time to become full-time caretakers. Paid long-term care services are expensive and drain income and assets and adversely impact lifestyle and legacy.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free resources to maintain your independence and give your family the time to be family. The financial impact can be dramatic. The cost of a nursing home, which is the least likely but most expensive type of care, is averaging over $100,000 a year. Yet, care at home, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, and memory care are not cheap.
See the financial impact on current and future care where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.
Many LTC Options Available
There are many policy options, including shared spousal plans, where you and your partner can share the benefits of a policy. Hybrid policies combine life insurance and long-term care. What is best for you? You can start finding out by using the resources of LTC NEWS.
Experts suggest using a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. These specialists can navigate the many working parts and match your age and health with the best plan - saving you money.
The fact is that most financial advisors and general insurance agents lack the experience needed to help in this area. They often only represent one or two insurance companies. Premiums for Long-Term Care Insurance can vary over 100% for the same benefit. The underwriting rules also vary dramatically between insurance companies.
Start your research in your 40s or 50s when you still enjoy good health. Premiums are also much lower when you are younger. While you may find coverage when you are older, it is best to plan before retirement.
Don't just sit there like an ape, be proactive, and plan.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
LTC NEWS offers many resources to help people learn about retirement issues like long-term care, aging, health, caregiving, and more. Whether you are researching for yourself or an elderly parent, LTC NEWS is the place to start.
Find the available resources on LTC NEWS by clicking here.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
Do You Have News to Share?
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